Listening.
Yeah, but listening to people is boring.
True. So listen, and when you find something that is interesting to you, prompt them to tell you more about that. Then, when they mention something else that interests you, ask them about that.
Don't just sit there watching them talk about garbage that you don't care about. Make them talk about stuff that you want to hear about. Make it a game. Want to hear if they like to give head? Do they like to swallow? Then see if you can get them to tell you. Don't ask outright, direct the conversation so they offer that information on their own.
Example:
HB: Blah blah lollipops blah blah and some other garbage you don't want to hear about.
V: yeah, lollipops blah blah. What's your favorite flavor?
HB: Grape.
V: Do you like grape Jolly Ranchers?
HB: Oh yeah! They're my favorite!
V: How do you eat your Jolly Ranchers?
HB: What do you mean?
V: Do you crunch on them, or do you suck them against the roof of your mouth until they're gone?
HB: I suck on them.
V: You're all about the suckin', eh? Do you cheat and crunch them up at the end?
HB: Sometimes, yeah, I just can't wait and just crunch them up at the end.
V: You're naughty! *insert kino* So you do all that suckin' and suckin' and just give up? Shame on you!
HB: Heeey! I said 'sometimes'!
V: Tease. So you are like the owl in the "tootsie roll pop" commercial, huh? One, ta-hooo!, tha-ree 'CRUNCH'...
HB: *LOL*
V: I'd hate to be that tootsie roll pop! CRUNCH! *Puts hands over crotch, bugs out eyes and buckles up*
HB: I WOULDN'T DO THAT!!!!
V: Oh, you wouldn't, huh "owl"? How would you do it, then?
See where this is going?
Listen. Guide. Listen. Relate story. Listen. Guide. Listen. Guide.
Oh, and animation is good. Hand gestures and body motions that help with stories, relating, or emphasis is good and shows that you aren't made of stone. A picture is worth a thousand words, so use "pictures".
